Published On: 06 September 2026
Want to curl your lashes but don’t have an eyelash curler? You’re not limited to just one option. In this article, we cover six different ways to curl your lashes without using an eyelash curler.
Before getting started, we explain why you may want to curl your lashes without a curler and why cleaning and drying your lashes are important before the process.
We then cover six methods using mascara, a cotton swab, a spoon, a clean toothbrush, aloe vera, and your thumb or index finger.
Each method includes simple steps to help you understand how to curl your lashes using the available option. Keep reading to explore these methods and find the one that works best for you.
Why to Curl Lashes Without Eyelash Curler
If you want to curl your eyelashes but do not want to use an eyelash curler, there can be different reasons for this.
One reason may be that you do not have an eyelash curler available and need a quick way to curl your lashes. Another reason could be that you have an eyelash curler, but its shape does not suit your eyes, or you may need a different type of eyelash curler for a better fit.
If you do not have an eyelash curler that suits the shape of your eyes, you can still curl your lashes using different methods.
Clean Your Lashes
If you want to curl your lashes, the first and most important step is to clean them properly. This is important to make sure that nothing interferes with the curling process or causes any damage to your lashes.
Before curling your lashes, remove any makeup, eyeliner, mascara, or other eye products that may be on them. Once you have completely cleaned your lashes, you can proceed with curling them.
Dry your Lashes
Another important step is to make sure your lashes are completely dry after cleaning. If your lashes are still wet and you try to curl them, there is a higher chance of them breaking or becoming damaged. Therefore, before curling your lashes, make sure they are properly dried.
You can let your lashes air-dry naturally, which may take some time. If you are in a hurry, you can also use a hair dryer to dry them. This is a quick and easy method to make sure your lashes are completely dry before curling them.
1. Curl Lashes Without Eyelash Curler Using Mascara
If you want to curl your lashes without using an eyelash curler, you can do it using mascara. You just need to follow a few simple steps.
First, take your mascara wand and apply mascara to it. Then, place the mascara wand underneath your lashes and start applying it from the roots. Gradually move the mascara wand from the roots toward the tips of your lashes.
While moving from the roots to the tips, keep moving the mascara wand away from your lashes as well.
Both of these motions should be done at the same time, meaning you move the wand from the roots to the tips while also moving it away from your lashes.
You will see that your lashes will curl properly.
However, you need to be careful while doing this. People often apply too much mascara or put too much pressure on the mascara wand, which can cause the lashes to break.
Most of the time, people either remove the wand from the tips or simply push it away from the lashes. Do not do just one of these motions. You need to perform both motions at the same time to achieve properly curled lashes.
2. Curl Lashes Without Eyelash Curler Using Cotton Swab
Similarly, you can also curl your lashes with the help of a cotton swab, and you do not need any type of eyelash curler for this method. However, like any other method, you need to follow the steps carefully and correctly.
First, apply some mascara to your lashes with the help of a mascara wand. Then, take a cotton swab and hold it in a horizontal position, with one end of the cotton swab close to your nose and the other end to the side of your eye.
Now, keeping the cotton swab in this position, place it underneath your lashes. Then, roll the cotton swab upward along your lashes while gently moving it away from the direction of your lashes.
This way, the cotton swab will roll against your lashes while gradually moving away from them. By doing this, your lashes will curl upward and achieve a lifted appearance.
3. Curl Lashes Without Eyelash Curler Using a Spoon
You can also curl your lashes with the help of a spoon. You only need a spoon for this method. This technique is also common and effective for curling your lashes without using an eyelash curler.
First, hold the spoon in a horizontal position, keeping the handle in your hand. Then, while keeping it in this horizontal position, move the spoon toward your lashes, keeping it close to the roots.
Now, use your other hand to gently press your lashes against the spoon. Try to attach your lashes to the spoon while keeping the spoon over them. At the same time, move the spoon upward and away from your lashes.
Your lashes should move upward along with the spoon toward the upper part of your eye. By doing this, your lashes will curl upward.
4. Curl Lashes Without Eyelash Curler Using a Tooth Brush
You can also use a toothbrush to curl your lashes, so you do not need an eyelash curler. First, apply mascara to your lashes. Then, take a clean toothbrush and gently attach its fibers to your lashes and force lashes upward using this. Keep doing this until your mascara dries.
However, make sure the toothbrush is clean and has never been used before. I would not recommend using an already-used toothbrush because bacteria and germs can transfer to your eyes and lashes.
The fibers of the toothbrush can work similarly to a comb. They can help separate your lashes, condition them, and lift them in an upward direction.
5. Curl Lashes Without Eyelash Curler Using Aloe Vera
You can also use aloe vera to curl your lashes, and you will not need an eyelash curler for this method. You just need some aloe vera and a clean lash brush.
Apply the aloe vera to your lashes using the lash brush. Use the brush in an upward and away-from-the-lashes direction, moving from the roots toward the tips. This will help your lashes start to curl.
However, make sure you do not apply too much aloe vera. You should apply only a thin coat. If you use too much aloe vera, your lashes can become heavy, which may cause discomfort and increase the chances of your lashes breaking.
6. Curl Lashes Without Eyelash Curler Using Thumb
You can also use your thumb to curl your lashes without using an eyelash curler. However, you need to be very careful while doing this.
Take your thumb and place it underneath your lashes. Then, gently press your lashes upward against your eyebrow. After that, try to close your eyes while keeping your lashes firmly attached to your eyebrow with your thumb.
This creates two types of pressure. One pressure comes from underneath your lashes and when you try to close your eyes. The second pressure comes from above when you attach lashes to your eyebrow with the help of your thumb. This pressure helps your lashes curl upward.
If you do not want to use your thumb, you can also use your index finger. Place your index finger underneath your lashes and gently move all your lashes upward in a curling direction.
Then, move your index finger away from your lashes while continuing the same motion, moving from the roots toward the tips in an upward and outward direction.
Learn to Use an Eyelash Curler to Curl Lashes
If you are still facing difficulty curling your lashes or your lashes do not curl properly due to their natural shape, you can use an eyelash curler to achieve the desired curl.
I have explained in detail in this article how to use eyelash curlers correctly.
This step-by-step guide will help you learn how to use an eyelash curler safely and effectively without damaging your lashes.
Conclusion
Curling your lashes without an eyelash curler is possible with several simple methods. In this article, we covered six ways to curl lashes using mascara, a cotton swab, a spoon, a clean toothbrush, aloe vera, and your thumb or index finger.
We also explained why cleaning and drying your lashes before curling is important. Each method follows a different technique, so you can choose the option that suits you best based on what you have available.
Whether you want to use mascara or try another method, following the steps carefully can help you work toward curled and lifted-looking lashes without using an eyelash curler.